Even more pubs and bars will open later for every FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 knockout match featuring England or Scotland.
- Thirteen potential matches will be included in the national pub licensing hours extension.
- In a further boost for hospitality, the move will help drive up revenue and bring fans together to cheer on the home nations.
Pubs and football fans are set for another boost as opening hours are extended even further for the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026, allowing venues to stay open longer for every knockout match featuring England or Scotland that kicks off by 10pm.
Under the expanded plans, pubs across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open an extra two hours until 1am for round of 32 and 16 games starting from 5pm to 9pm. Later kick‑offs, from 9pm up until and including 10pm, will push last orders back to 2am.
In total, thirteen potential home nation matches will now be covered by the later opening hours.
Extended pub licensing hours already apply to relevant World Cup matches kicking off between 8pm and 10pm. Today’s extension means pubs and punters will be able to watch an extra three potential matches.
It is the first time in a decade pubs and bars will be allowed to stay open late if the home nations reach any of the round of 32 and 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final of the World Cup.
The move removes the need for individual venues across England and Wales to apply for licensing extensions, helping the wider hospitality sector make the most of big match nights.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:
“If our boys are on the pitch, we want our fans to stay in the pub.
“So we’re giving pubs and bars an open goal to serve punters long after the last penalty hits the back of the net.
“We won’t have fans coming home before football does.”
The Home Secretary has the legal power to extend licensing hours for events of “exceptional international, national or local significance”. Similar extensions were previously used for the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament and the Men’s Euro 2024 final.
To help the nation celebrate together more often, pub licensing hours may also be extended to cover multiple other events. This could see pubs and bars across England and Wales opening later for major moments like Eurovision, Royal Weddings and next summer’s Women’s FIFA World Cup.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:
“There’s no place quite like the pub to cheer on our brilliant teams, and being able to open for longer means people can come together, boost community spirit and enjoy a summer of sport.
“The government cutting red tape is a really positive step in helping the sector and must go hand in hand with reducing regulatory burdens and costs so our locals can continue to be places for people to gather under one roof to celebrate moments of national significance.”
Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said:
“The World Cup is the centrepiece of this year’s summer of sport and our pubs and bars will be packed with fans cheering on the home nations.
“The local is the best place to watch the games and I’m pleased that the Government has gone one step further to extend licensing hours for all knockout games, meaning both fans and hospitality businesses can make the most of the World Cup.”
Michael Kill, CEO, Night-Time Industries Association said:
“This is a welcome boost for the hospitality sector and night-time economy, giving pubs, bars and venues the chance to make the most of one of the biggest global sporting events. The government’s move to extend hours will help drive revenue, support jobs and strengthen local economies during key match nights.
“It also allows fans to come together in safe, vibrant settings to enjoy every moment of the knockout stages. Overall, it’s a practical step that supports growth, enhances the matchday atmosphere and brings communities together.”
